Ukrainian protesters issue ultimatum to Zelenskyy, demand army changes

Ukrainian veterans and protest organizers have set a deadline for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, demanding sweeping personnel changes within the army's leadership. They have threatened to escalate their demonstrations into an indefinite action if their demands are not met by Friday, July 24.

The core of the ultimatum, as articulated by former military medic Dmytro Koziatynski on Facebook, includes the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi and the nomination of Mykhailo Fedorov for the position of defense minister. Koziatynski stated that Zelenskyy "created this crisis and must solve it" and that the president "hears the society that has come out to protest."

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The president created this crisis and must solve it. He said he hears the society that has come out to protest. By Friday, July 24, we expect appropriate decisions: 1. Dismissal of the Commander-in-Chief (of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr) Syrskyi; 2. Nomination of Mykhailo Fedorov for the position of defense minister. If this does not happen, we announce an indefinite protest action.

Lawyer and veteran Masi Najem echoed these sentiments, questioning why the president's decision, made without consulting top command, should be resolved at that same level. Najem emphasized that Zelenskyy has the authority to dismiss Syrskyi and nominate Fedorov independently, highlighting July 24 as a pivotal day.

Protests erupted in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities following media reports that Fedorov would not be nominated for defense minister in the new government. Fedorov later confirmed his departure from the ministry. Media outlets have suggested a conflict between Fedorov and General Syrskyi as the reason for his removal. Zelenskyy has indicated he would make decisions regarding the military, having held discussions with both Fedorov and Syrskyi, as well as other experienced military personnel.

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The crisis was caused by the president's decision made without consulting the highest command. Why should it be resolved at the highest command meeting – I don't understand. Because the president can dismiss Syrskyi and nominate Fedorov for minister himself.